Finding the right plants for shady spaces can be tricky, but it is not impossible. Many shade-loving plants do more than just survive in low light. They bring color, texture, and life to spots where the sun rarely shines. Some help keep the area cool by covering the ground and reducing heat. Others offer bold leaves or seasonal flowers that brighten up dark corners. Here are 25 great choices to help you build a cooler, greener backyard.
1. Hosta
Hostas are shade-loving perennials known for their large, lush leaves. They come in a wide range of green shades, often with white or yellow edges. These plants grow well under trees and along shady borders. They like moist, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering. Hostas do not flower showily, but their foliage adds texture and color. Slugs can be a problem, so mulching with crushed eggshells may help. These plants spread slowly and are easy to divide when they get crowded.
2. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)
Japanese forest grass adds a soft, flowing look to shaded gardens. Its graceful, arching blades often have golden or striped coloring. This plant does best in cool, moist soil and partial to full shade. It grows slowly but forms tidy clumps over time. It pairs well with bold plants like hostas and ferns. Unlike some grasses, it does not spread aggressively. This makes it a great choice for edging paths or filling shady corners.
3. Ferns (e.g., Lady Fern, Ostrich Fern)
Ferns are a classic pick for shaded spots with rich, damp soil. Lady ferns and ostrich ferns both thrive in cool, low-light areas. Their feathery fronds bring a natural woodland feel to any backyard. They grow well under trees or in north-facing beds. These plants help cool the ground by covering the soil. They also hold moisture, which helps nearby plants. Ferns are low maintenance and return each year once established.
4. Astilbe
Astilbe brings color to shade gardens with its fluffy, upright flowers. Blooms range from pink and red to white and lavender. These flowers appear in early to midsummer and attract pollinators. Astilbe likes moist, slightly acidic soil and does not tolerate drought. Its fern-like foliage also adds texture to shady spots. It works well in borders or planted in groups. With the right care, astilbe stays healthy and full through the season.
5. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral bells are known for their colorful leaves, which range from lime green to deep purple. These plants grow best in partial shade with well-drained soil. They produce small, bell-shaped flowers on tall stems, often visited by hummingbirds. Their foliage stays low and neat, making them a good ground cover or edging plant. Heuchera is hardy and adaptable, but it does best with regular moisture. It also pairs well with ferns and hostas in mixed plantings.
6. Ligularia
Ligularia adds bold height and large leaves to shaded gardens. It prefers damp soil and thrives in areas with morning sun and afternoon shade. Its bright yellow or orange flowers rise above the foliage in summer. The leaves are often heart-shaped and can grow quite large. Ligularia needs regular water to avoid drooping in heat. It attracts bees and butterflies, making it a good choice for wildlife-friendly spaces. Plant it where the soil stays cool and moist.
7. Toad Lily (Tricyrtis)
Toad lilies bloom late in the season, offering orchid-like flowers in shade. They prefer rich, moist soil and consistent watering. The small, spotted blooms appear in early fall, adding color when most plants fade. Toad lilies grow best in part to full shade and need protection from strong winds. Their upright stems work well in narrow borders or shady corners. These plants are not widely known, so they add a unique touch to backyard gardens.
8. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Lungwort is one of the first plants to bloom in early spring. It has fuzzy, spotted leaves and small blue or pink flowers. This plant grows well in moist, shady areas and is deer resistant. Lungwort helps fill in gaps before other perennials start growing. Its leaves stay attractive after flowering, making it useful for ground cover. It prefers cool, damp soil and benefits from mulching. Lungwort spreads slowly and forms dense clumps over time.
9. Brunnera (False Forget-Me-Not)
Brunnera has heart-shaped leaves and tiny blue flowers that bloom in spring. Its foliage can be solid green or variegated with white or silver. This plant grows well in full to part shade with moist, rich soil. It works well as ground cover or planted with ferns and hostas. Brunnera stays low to the ground and spreads slowly. It is easy to grow and adds brightness to dark spots in the garden. The flowers look delicate but are quite hardy.
10. Solomon's Seal
Solomon's seal has arching stems with small, bell-like flowers that hang beneath the leaves. This plant grows best in deep shade and moist soil. It spreads slowly through rhizomes, making it ideal for naturalizing under trees. In fall, the leaves turn yellow and the plant produces small berries. It adds gentle movement and elegance to woodland gardens. Solomon's seal is also deer resistant and low maintenance. It pairs well with ferns and spring bulbs.
11. Foamflower (Tiarella)
Foamflower is a native ground cover that thrives in shady spots. It has pretty, maple-like leaves and soft flower spikes in spring. The leaves often show red or dark veins, adding color even after flowering. Foamflower prefers moist, humus-rich soil and does well under trees. It spreads by runners but is not invasive. This plant supports pollinators and looks great with ferns and hostas. It works well for filling gaps in woodland beds.
12. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
Bleeding heart has delicate, arching stems with heart-shaped flowers. It blooms in spring and early summer, often going dormant in hot weather. This plant likes rich, moist soil and part to full shade. The flowers come in pink or white and attract hummingbirds. Bleeding heart adds a soft, romantic feel to shaded gardens. It works well with late-blooming companions that fill in as it fades. Be sure to give it enough space to grow and rest.
13. Jack-in-the-Pulpit
Jack-in-the-pulpit is a woodland native with a unique, hooded flower. It prefers rich, damp soil and deep shade. The plant produces bright red berries in fall, adding seasonal interest. It grows from a tuber and returns each year once established. Jack-in-the-pulpit blends well in naturalistic plantings or shady borders. It needs little care beyond moisture and mulch. This plant adds a touch of mystery and texture to cool, dark spots.
14. Bugleweed (Ajuga)
Bugleweed is a fast-spreading ground cover with glossy leaves and purple-blue flowers. It grows well in part to full shade and tolerates many soil types. This plant forms dense mats that suppress weeds and hold moisture. Ajuga is useful for covering bare ground under trees or between stepping stones. It blooms in spring and attracts pollinators. Be aware it can spread quickly, so trim back as needed. It adds texture and color where grass will not grow.
15. Caladium
Caladiums are grown for their large, colorful leaves. These tropical plants do best in warm, shady areas with rich, well-drained soil. The foliage comes in bright mixes of red, white, green, and pink. Caladiums are grown from tubers and often treated as annuals in cooler climates. They need regular water and do not like cold temperatures. Caladiums brighten dark corners and mix well with ferns and impatiens. They are easy to grow in containers or beds.
16. Elephant Ear (Colocasia)
Elephant ears have giant, heart-shaped leaves that create a bold look in shade. They need moist, rich soil and plenty of space to spread. These plants thrive in part shade and bring a tropical feel to gardens. Some varieties have deep green leaves, while others show purple or black tones. Elephant ears are grown from tubers and can be dug up and stored over winter in cooler zones. They also work well near water features or as centerpieces.
17. Deadnettle (Lamium)
Deadnettle is a low-growing ground cover with silvery leaves and small flowers. It thrives in shade and moist soil but can handle dry spots once established. Lamium blooms in pink, purple, or white and spreads quickly. It is useful for edging, covering slopes, or tucking into shaded corners. While it spreads fast, it is easy to control by trimming. The bright foliage lightens dark areas and pairs well with hostas and ferns.
18. Epimedium (Barrenwort)
Epimedium is a tough ground cover that thrives in dry shade. Its delicate flowers bloom in spring and range in color from yellow to pink. The leaves often have red edges and turn bronze in fall. This plant spreads slowly by rhizomes and is easy to grow. It resists deer and pests and needs little care once established. Epimedium is perfect for shady areas where other plants struggle. It fills gaps and adds subtle charm to garden beds.
19. Hellebore (Lenten Rose)
Hellebores bloom in late winter or early spring, offering early color in shade. The flowers nod downward and come in shades of pink, white, and purple. Hellebores prefer well-drained, rich soil and consistent moisture. Their evergreen leaves provide year-round interest. These plants grow slowly but live for many years. They are deer resistant and tolerate cold well. Plant hellebores where you can see them during the winter months.
20. Canadian Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense)
Canadian wild ginger is a native ground cover with heart-shaped leaves. It grows well in deep shade and moist, rich soil. The flowers are hidden beneath the foliage and bloom in spring. This plant spreads by rhizomes and forms dense mats over time. It helps control erosion and keeps weeds down in shaded areas. Wild ginger supports native insects and looks natural in woodland gardens. It requires little care once established.
21. Pachysandra
Pachysandra is a popular evergreen ground cover for deep shade. It spreads quickly and forms a thick mat that blocks weeds. This plant grows well under trees and in poor soil. Its small white flowers bloom in spring, though they are not showy. Pachysandra needs little care once established but should be trimmed to stay neat. It works best in cool, moist areas and may struggle in hot, dry spots. Use it to cover bare ground where grass will not grow.
22. Japanese Painted Fern
Japanese painted fern adds silvery color and soft texture to shaded gardens. Its fronds have hints of green, purple, and burgundy. This plant grows best in moist, rich soil and part to full shade. It spreads slowly and works well in borders or among other ferns. Painted ferns are low maintenance and deer resistant. They add a delicate look to cool, shady areas. Use them in groups for a soft, layered effect.
23. Bergenia (Pigsqueak)
Bergenia has large, glossy leaves and bright pink flowers in early spring. The leaves often turn red in fall, giving year-round interest. This plant grows well in part shade and moist, well-drained soil. It forms clumps and spreads slowly. Bergenia is tough and tolerates poor soil and dry shade once established. Its bold foliage contrasts nicely with finer-leaved plants. The nickname "pigsqueak" comes from the noise the leaves make when rubbed.
24. Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff is a fragrant ground cover with whorled leaves and tiny white flowers. It thrives in deep shade and moist, well-drained soil. This plant spreads quickly and forms a soft carpet in woodland gardens. It blooms in spring and has a light, fresh scent. Sweet woodruff is often used under trees or between shrubs. It dies back in winter but returns in spring. Use it where you want fast cover in shady spots.
25. Trillium
Trilliums are native wildflowers with three-petaled blooms and whorled leaves. They grow in deep shade and rich, moist soil. These plants bloom in early spring and then go dormant in summer. Trilliums are slow to establish and should not be disturbed once planted. They are protected in many areas, so use nursery-grown plants. Trilliums bring a natural, woodsy look to shaded beds. They pair well with ferns and other spring ephemerals.
Create a Cooler Garden with Confidence
Shady backyards offer a chance to grow plants that might not thrive in full sun. With the right mix of foliage and flowers, even the darkest corners can feel alive and welcoming. These plants help cover bare ground, keep soil cooler, and add seasonal interest without needing constant attention. Whether you want bold leaves, early blooms, or soft textures, there is something on this list for every shaded space. Use these options to build a garden that stays calm, cool, and full of life.